Should I go to counseling?

[buttons93]

Hello!

I am a prenursing student with one semester before nursing school. I have been going through a very rough time in my life due to family issues. Actually, ONGOING family issues since my sophomore year in high school. I have contemplated going to free counseling at school because sometimes I think it could be a good thing for me. After all, sometimes other people are better equipped to handle my own problems than I am myself!

I have been through a lot of heart ache but this awful season in my life (pertaining to my sister) is just something that I think really needs professional attention. At the same time, I am extremely nervous about being labeled "crazy" or "mentally incompetent" to be a nurse.

Nursing is a big thing at my school and I am afraid that if I go to counseling, administrators and such would think that I am not nursing material because of my "issues" and that it will effect my chances of getting in to the program.

I do not consider myself depressed, mentally unstable, or suicidal in ANY way and my grades or studies have not been effected by this season in my life. School has actually been an escape for me and have used my heart ache to relate to others. I am just afraid of people thinking that I am crazy or unstable because I want to go to counseling. I value my teachers' opinions and know that as a future nurse, the community and my family will have a lot of trust and expectation of me.

Am I being unreasonable? I do believe that I need to take care of me in order to take care of others. Has any other nurses/prenursing students/ nursing students dealt with something similar? Any input is much appreciated :)

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

If you think it is a good thing, then go for the free counseling. No one here knows your details, nor are we inside your head so we really cannot advise you either way. However, if you have no cost personal counseling services available you are very lucky to have such an option. Simply going to speak with a professional will not generate a label such as crazy, mentally unstable, or mentally incompetent potential nurse.

A mentally incompetent individual is declared such by a court of law. Good luck.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Nursing school is going to add to your stressors EVERYONE needs someone to talk to at one time or another. Life is messy...families are messier. Seeking counseling at school will be confidential. Keep it to yourself. Seeking help will not interfere wiht school they do not have to know. Talking isn't a diagnosis.

There is a long time contributor and article author, VivaLasVejas, who has shared her personal journey. Her story is different than yours but I think yiou may find comfort there.....

Who the Heck Am I Now??

No one ever forgets the day he or she is diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder. The experience is forever burned into the brain, leaving an indelible mark on the psyche. But hearing someone pronounce the words that will change your life forever is only the beginning; now the real work begins as you come to terms with the loss of the person you thought you were, and face an uncertain and unknowable future

https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/who-heck-am-714316.html

There is a support thread as well.....

Just Us (& Others): The Mood Disorders Support Thread

https://allnurses.com/nurses-with-disabilities/just-us-others-691892.html

I wish you the best.

[Katie828]

Try it! You really have nothing to lose. The admission people aren't going to find out (even if somehow they did, they have no access to why you went).

However, just FYI, a lot of the free school programs are run by PsyD students/residents who aren't fully trained. I went to free services at 2 different schools. The first lady did a good job, but the second one demanded I do what she thought was the best option. I didn't like her idea, and I never went back.